Geraldine Kruse's Obituary
Geraldine “Gerry” Bernice Kruse, 87, of Preston, passed away Friday, July 3, 2015 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, with her family by her side. Visitation will be at the First United Presbyterian Church, Miles, IA on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. and on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday following the visitation at the church. Burial will be in the Miles Cemetery. Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes and Crematory is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Geraldine was born on March 27, 1928 in Iowa Township, Jackson County, the daughter of Marvin and Elfrieda (Peters) Bott. She was a 1946 graduate of Miles Consolidated High School. She married Marvin R. Kruse on January 29, 1950 in Miles. Marvin died in April, 1984.
Following her graduation, Geraldine worked at John L. Franks in Miles as a bookkeeper. Upon being married, she worked alongside her husband on the family farm until his death. She lived on the family farm for a total of 50 years. She subsequently worked at Farmers Savings Bank in Andover, Teeds Grove, Miles, and Preston until she retired in 2001. Following her bank retirement, she worked part-time at Bernie’s Heating and Cooling for two years. She enjoyed working with the public and meeting people.
Geraldine was a seventy-two year member of First United Presbyterian Church, Miles where she served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and trustee. She was a sixty-five year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Miles and also a member of the Rebekah Lodge of Masons. In her later years, Geraldine served on the board of directors of the Preston Manna Center.
Following her faith, her next love was her family. She was very proud of her three sons and their spouses; her six grandchildren and respective spouses; and her five great-grandchildren. Regardless of what plans she had family always came first. Geraldine enjoyed a number of “500” card clubs. She was up for any type of card game with family and friends. She loved to grow flowers and was an excellent cook and baker. She also enjoyed traveling and seeing the beauty of God’s creation. She took pride in climbing Diamond Head in Hawaii at the age of sixty-five.
Geraldine is survived by her three sons; Rickey (Lola) Kruse of Fairfax, IA, Curtis (Mari) Kruse of O’Fallon, MO, and Mark (Karen) Kruse of Stewartville, MN; six grandchildren, Kristen (Morgan) Hamilton of Fort Worth, TX, Lucas (Betsy) Kruse of Southeast Asia, Jaci (Steve) Brush of Simpsonville, SC, Isaac Kruse of Cedar Falls, IA, Anna Kruse, Mankato, MN and Olivia Kruse of Stewartville, MN; five great grandchildren, Adley and Cora Kruse, Southeast Asia, Luci and Atlas Brush, Simpsonville, SC, and Everett Hamilton, Fort Worth, TX; and her brother, Gilbert (Marlene) Bott, Clinton, IA.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Memorials may be made to First United Presbyterian Church, Miles.
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